Our “Justice for Women” campaign was a resounding success, with a Dignity bill already signed into law by Governor Abbott, and 7 other bills that have either become law or are awaiting the Governor’s signature. These bills will positively impact thousands of system-involved women or women at risk of system involvement – including by providing greater access to in-prison programming for women, significantly lowering heath care fees for incarcerated women and men, improving the treatment of women in county jails, and addressing the needs of mothers with opioid use disorder. (Thank you, Lindsey Linder, for ALL of your work on this campaign and for fighting every day to help these women!)

We successfully fought for a bill that will expand access to occupational licenses for people with a conviction. More than 65,000 people reenter Texas communities after prison each year, and many face significant hurdles to employment, especially licensed professions. Texas requires occupational licenses for nearly 500 professions, and many currently disqualify people with criminal records. This bill will help hardworking Texans get back on their feet.

We advocated for a half-million dollar increase for the prostitution prevention program, with the expanded purpose of pre-arrest diversion. It is critical to help people address their trauma and other behavioral health issues before they enter the justice system.

We also helped to pass a bill to expand the use of peer support in Texas prisons. Peer support has been shown to help people with mental illness, including substance use disorder, chart a path to recovery, and certified peers have been shown to dramatically reduce the likelihood of relapse. By incorporating certified peers into reentry planning, this bill can lead to greater post-prison success rates, particularly among those released from state jails.

We are awaiting the Governor’s signature on a bill that would correct inaccuracies in jury instructions for people convicted of certain felonies. Inaccurate and misleading language in jury instructions can influence jurors to impose a higher sentence to account for what they believe will be various opportunities for an early release from prison.

A bill to repeal the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP) has finally made its way to the Governor’s desk! Through the DRP, which began in 2003, an extra civil surcharge is levied onto driving-related tickets – harming low-income individuals and families. The inability to pay hefty surcharges has resulted in approximately 1.4 million drivers losing their licenses, which, in turn, can cause jail stays for those who continue to drive with a suspended license. It’s long overdue that this failed program is abolished.

And I want to say how proud I am of the TCJC team, four of whom were honored in this resolution recognizing April as Second Chance Month: Doug Smith, Reggie Smith, Allison Franklin, and Jose Flores. I am so grateful for your voices and insight in our policy reform work, and for your willingness to share your lived experiences as we fight for better outcomes for Texans and their communities.